Most People Are Drafting the Wrong Rookie RB

Most people are drafting Kaleb Johnson ahead of RJ Harvey.

But based on the situation, role, and history of Sean Payton… I think that’s a mistake.

Let’s break down why Harvey is the rookie you want in 2025:

RJ Harvey – Denver Broncos

Denver spent a 2nd-round pick on Harvey — which tells you everything you need to know.

They didn’t bring back Javonte Williams. And the top returning backs from 2024? None even hit 500 yards.

Now Harvey steps into a wide-open depth chart after just posting:

• 1577 rushing yards

• 6.8 yards per carry

• 20 catches for 267 yards

Even better? He led all of college football in explosive runs the past two years — including a 21% breakaway run rate.

Sean Payton said it only took two hours watching Harvey’s tape to fall in love… then used a 2nd round pick on him.

That’s the same coach who made Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, and Reggie Bush into fantasy stars.

And now he has another weapon in Harvey, running behind a great offensive line…

Kaleb Johnson – Pittsburgh Steelers

Johnson is no slouch. He went in the 3rd round and produced 1537 yards and 21 TDs last season.

He’s big (6'1", 225), fast (22 MPH in-game), and extremely physical.

But he’s still sharing the backfield with Jaylen Warren — one of the more efficient RBs in football.

And the Steelers offense, while improving, isn’t built for RB production the way Sean Payton’s is - especially in the passing game.

Johnson may take over by midseason but Harvey could smash from Week 1.

Bottom Line:

The situation, coach, and backfield all favor Harvey.

He’s a better bet for 2025 — and still going later than Johnson in most drafts.

These are the kind of edges I look for when updating the Fantasy Blueprint — breaking ties, identifying traps, and highlighting winners early.

It’s usually the small decisions like this one that make the biggest difference in fantasy.

— Sal

P.S. If you want to win your league (without spending 20+ hours researching each week), get my Fantasy Blueprint here — it’s what over 10,000 smarter players used last season to win more.